Hi everyone; since I’m new to the forum I thought I’d offer up a humble review of the latest addition to my system - the Tambaqui DAC. As background, I’d enjoyed my PS Audio DAC for about 8 years, and was ready for an upgrade. The wild thing is, I bought and paid for another top shelf (not named here for good reason) DAC, and while it was in transit I “discovered“ the Tambaqui DAC. Online. YouTube videos and published reviews. But in fairness to the now traded DAC I’d had deployed for 4 days, it sounded GREAT, but while a marked improvement to my 8 year old DSD, I didn’t feel it was “next level” gear that will take me to my end days. So I went about the business of finding a way out of my purchase and into this Mola Mola DAC I’d never heard and only heard of 2 weeks before purchase. So below is my humble takeaway on this DAC I honestly believe I’ll have for my remaining years. I’m old enough that it won‘t be 30 or 40 years but more like 10-20.
So that’s about it guys. I’m certainly no professional reviewer but as an audiophile with a good ear I have to say, without hesitation, this is the greatest DAC my money can buy. Many reviewers insist it’s better than some DACS costing as much as 100k. And VERY coincidentally, the man who bought my DSD (who knew I was receiving the Mola Mola) happened to hear this Mola Mola yesterday, and he was as blown away as I am. Safe to say the designer Bruno Putzseys is a digital audio genius of the highest order. Now I want to get his mono blocks!
Thanks for stopping by to have a read.
- Incredible sound staging. The DAC causes my speakers to “disappear.” The depth of the soundstage is so deep and expansive my neighbor friend asked repeatedly if I had any of my other speakers engaged, aside from the front mains. I have a 5.2.4 system and of course the multichannel amp was powered off. So much sound from 2 Dyanudio speakers!
- The resolution and musicality is simply stunning. I’ve never heard such detail in any system at any price, and while my system is very good, I’ve heard considerably more expensive systems that do not sound nearly as good.
- Revealing. The Mola Mola is incredibly detailed and revealing. As a result I’d suggest one needs an excellent system to appreciate the beauty of what this DAC can deliver. If the preamp and amp are “so -so,” you are probably going to find this DAC a mismatch. So here, buyer beware.
- Bass slam: Home run! Just a big WOW how this beast handles the lowest frequencies with a firm and tight grip.
- Mids do not get any better. Female vocalists are in the room. You can hear them breathing with the notes rolling off their lips as though an instrument.
- The sense of musical decay as the notes linger in the air from a finely plucked violin or guitar are simply stunning.
- Emotionally involving and riveting. You will need to force yourself to stop listening. It is THAT musical.
So that’s about it guys. I’m certainly no professional reviewer but as an audiophile with a good ear I have to say, without hesitation, this is the greatest DAC my money can buy. Many reviewers insist it’s better than some DACS costing as much as 100k. And VERY coincidentally, the man who bought my DSD (who knew I was receiving the Mola Mola) happened to hear this Mola Mola yesterday, and he was as blown away as I am. Safe to say the designer Bruno Putzseys is a digital audio genius of the highest order. Now I want to get his mono blocks!
Thanks for stopping by to have a read.